Those in the market for a vehicle to transport a big family and/or lots of cargo have a variety of options, and Toyota's offering in the category of midsize/crossover SUV is the Toyota Highlander. I recently had the chance to test a 2013 Highlander, which featured an overall very impressive ride and look, some quality standard features, plus some very cool options if you're in the mood to splurge.

LOOKS

On the outside the Highlander looks somewhat large, but isn't oversized. Inside, you get three rows of seating, which can fit up to 7 people. There is ample storage space if you've got some cargo to store.

Advertisement

The third row of seats can be left up or down, depending how much storage space you need, which is helpful. There are also lots of cup and bottle holders spread throughout in case you're every transporting a vehicle full of thirsty folks.

My test vehicle featured was a Highlander Limited, the top trim level, and featured 19-inch wheels, though wheels on the base model are 17 inches.

TECH FEATURES

The Highlander features a multi-information display; among the info you'll find here is the time, the outside temperature, warning messages, and cruise information, plus fuel economy and more.The Highlander, Highlander Plus and SE grades all come with a USB port and hands-free phone calling and music streaming via Bluetooth. Plus and SE also get the back-up camera, which is new to the vehicle.

This system includes navigation and the Toyota Entune infotainment system. Steering wheel controls have been added for audio, information display and Bluetooth hands-free calling.

If you go up to Limited, you get a few more features including JBL Premium Audio and automatic climate control for the rear.

The following features are among those standard on all versions of the Highlander: Rear climate control; Front and rear air conditioning; Eight-way adjustable driver's seat; Power door locks and windows with driver's window jam protection and auto-up/down feature.

REAR DVD SYSTEM

This is good for long trips, but comes at a nearly $2K additional cost and is only offered on the Limited trim level. A screen pops down from above and you can listen through headphones that are wireless. The only downside is it blocks the view a little bit in the rearview mirror. This is a feature that's not offered on all vehicles, so it's a nice perk to offer.

MPG

The Highlander I tested got about 17 miles per gallon or so during my time with it. That's pretty close to the listed numbers of 17 city and 22 highway (19 combined).

There is also a hybrid version of the Highlander that is listed at 28 mpg.

MUSIC SOURCES

You have a lot of options for where you can hear your music from in the Highlander. There is Bluetooth streaming of music from your phone, plus AM, FM, CD, Satellite radio (90-day trial).

You get some App integration via Toyota's Entune program (connect your smartphone and install Entune app there). The Entune system is new to the Highlander, and allows you to control app functions with the vehicle's physical and voice controls if your phone is connected, so you don't have to be reaching for your phone while you drive.

Entune's mobile apps can be very helpful, and include Bing, iHeartRadio, MovieTickets.com, OpenTable, and Pandora. Entune also offers a helpful fuel price guide, sports scores, stocks, traffic and weather.

ENGINE, HORSE POWER

My test vehicle had a powerful 3.5 liter, V-6 engine that provided an excellent overall ride, and the Highlander was still very maneuverable despite being a large vehicle. Overall, the ride was quiet and enjoyable. You can choose a less powerful 2.7 liter, 4-cylinder engine as well. The Highlander comes in front-wheel drive and full-time four-wheel drive options.

The controls on the Highlander keyboard (volume, music source, cruise control, etc.) were well-placed and easy to use once you figure out what's where and do it a few times. These kinds of controls increase safety by letting you keep your eyes on the road and not on buttons.

SAFETY FEATURES OFFERED

Speaking of safety, Highlander does very well in the overall safety area compared to competitors in this segment. There are seven standard airbags, Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Electric Power Steering and an anti-lock brake system with Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist, and Smart Stop Technology.

Also, all Highlander models have a corner-braking feature, which helps enhance control through turns.

Downhill Assist Control is standard on all 4-wheel-drive models, and helps maintain handling and steering control by reducing wheel lock under braking at slow speeds or on slippery descents.

OPTIONS

A variety of other available options or various levels of the Highlander include heated side mirrors, windshield wiper de-icer, voice-activated touch screen navigation system and a top-shelf JBL audio system.

If you're planning to use the vehicle for towing purposes, the V-6 Highlander has a 5,000-pound towing capacity.

PRICE

The Highlander I tested was packed with all the trimmings, and had a total price of $41,855. The introductory price of the vehicle starts at roughly $29,000, but that version will skip a lot of the technology and other features I mentioned. You get some nice standard perks, but not everything you might want.

The price is kind of high if you go for Limited model I tested, but even if you skip a bunch of the trimmings and keep it simple, the Highlander offers a very solid overall driving experience.

BOTTOM LINE

With so many vehicles aimed at people with a posse to carry, the Highlander has some stiff competition from the likes of the Mazda CX-9, Buick Enclave and Chevy Traverse, among others.

All of these vehicles have their share of supporters, but the Highlander definitely holds its own and offers an enjoyable and spacious ride that can make the whole family happy on short trips or long ones. I would definitely recommend giving it a test drive along with the other vehicles in its class so you can see which vehicle strikes your fancy the most.

Matt Myftiu can be reached at matt.myftiu@oakpress.com or 248-745-4617. Follow him on Twitter @MattMyftiu or become a fan of the Facebook page "OPTechTime".